one4review | On 23, Aug 2016

Unknown is a short piece, choreographed and performed by Eve Mutso, the Estonian former Principal Dancer with Scottish Ballet. For this piece, she has collaborated with Matt Strachan, providing the lighting and set design, and Merlin Bonning, who has composed an original ambient score. She left Scottish Ballet earlier this year, and the theme of Unknown is just that – the blossoming of creativity through letting go and embracing uncertainties. The choreography is strong and never repetitive, and Mutso is a pleasure to watch. The only prop is a triangular cage of metal and light, from which she escapes to express herself freely. This is a classy performance, by an assured professional.

The second piece on the bill is Liminal, performed and choreographed by the Irish dancer, Liadain Herriot. The music is a mixture of modern and classical, and the story is that of a ‘classical girl living in the modern world’. Herriot is an extraordinary performer, and at times she almost becomes at one with the music, as if being controlled by it. Her jerky, robotic movements in time with minimal electronic sounds appear to be happening to her, against her will. She moves around the entire stage, seemingly controlled by the music and the light. My one criticism of this piece would be that, at times, the lighting was too dim to really see the interesting choreography. That is a pity, as Liadain Herriot is a fascinating performer, with impressive technical skill and real emotion. I do hope that she returns to the Fringe in the future.

Reviewed by Shiona

Dancebase (Venue 22) – Grassmarket
August 23 – 28 19:45 (40m)